Tawang Festival 2026 Set for 27–31 October as the International Tourism Mart Returns to Tawang

Monpa culture takes over Tawang in the last week of October, and the 14th International Tourism Mart returns to the town for the first time since 2013.

Tripti

03 Oct 20262 min read

Source: ANIView source

Monks and dancers in traditional Monpa costume at Tawang Monastery

Tawang has a busy end to October. The Tawang Festival is listed for 27 to 31 October 2026, and the 14th International Tourism Mart follows in Tawang from 29 to 31 October, ANI reports. It is the first time the mart has returned to Tawang since 2013.

What's on

Tawang Festival (27–31 October): Monpa dances, Buddhist ceremonies, local food, crafts and handlooms in the monastery town.
International Tourism Mart (29–31 October): organised by the Ministry of Tourism with the Government of Arunachal Pradesh, it brings together tour operators, officials and travel trade from India and abroad.

What it means for travellers

Expect hotels in Tawang to be fuller than usual in the last week of October. Book early.
Indian visitors need an Arunachal Inner Line Permit, which can be applied for online through the e-ILP portal.
A visit to Bumla Pass needs a separate permit. Since 10 August 2026 it is applied for online at bumlapass.in for Rs 100, and it is for Indian nationals only.
Late October usually brings clear skies for the drive over Sela Pass, before the heavy snow of winter.

For the drive and permits, see Breeziah's Guwahati to Tawang road trip guide and Arunachal ILP guide, or the Majestic Tawang tour.

It is listed for 27 to 31 October 2026 in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh.

A travel trade event run by the Ministry of Tourism. The 14th edition is in Tawang from 29 to 31 October 2026, the first there since 2013.

Yes. Indian visitors need an Arunachal Inner Line Permit, and Bumla Pass needs its own permit.

Plan the trip, not just the headline

Turn this update into a smarter Northeast itinerary.

Breeziah uses live destination context, local travel updates, and on-ground planning to shape better Meghalaya and Arunachal journeys. If this story affects your travel window, we can help you rework the route.